Unfortunately, there have been a few threads on Trip Advisor similar to yours. Also, reporting: routing changed, as well as lodging, services that were not provided, lack of communications once booked and the money issue.

At one time, maybe 5-6/yrs ago, 2Afrika was considered good for what they offered, but appears no longer so. Maybe they're offering more than is reasonable, expanding to cover too many destinations... beats me.

So sorry to read this.

So sorry for your bad experience. I hope you can return some day to South Africa under better circumstances.

Too many reports like these on 2Afrika.

If you pop back here, Pompano,can you elaborate on why this is your first post here and how you came to this forum? It will give your comments more credibility. You might even share some of the positives about South Africa or specifics on where you stayed, how you handled the bad situation you found yourself in, etc.

I think this is sad. As Sandi said a few years ago this company appeared to be doing a great job for the price point they were at. We actually used them in 2007 & had no issues. Since then we have arranged private safaris so have not had reason to have contact with them since.
So sorry about your trip. I hope you can get back there some day.

Atravelynn, good question. Note however, that the OP says
"I just discovered this site for comments and was compelled to write."

People find sites like Fodors most often while doing google searches--in this case, possibly something like "2Afrika comments"

I have read both good and bad about 2Afrika, when doing initial research on prices, itins, etc.
But i every much wanted to use local companies--one in Kenya, one in Uganda--so didnt pursue farther for an out-of-country place.

Sorry for your one time negative experience if real but
www.bbb.org/.../2afrika-in-jersey-city-nj-90121675
Has an A plus rating with BBB.org so the majority of experiences are good.First time time 100% negative "grudge" posters who join just to slam/defame a good operator as a "nightmare" are ALWAYS suspect to me not real jealous competitors etc. Have seen good reports will stick with BBB.org A plus rating far more valid than one defamatory post.Have seen MAMY good posts on them over the years.

We used 2Afrika in 2006 for a custom trip to Botswana and found them to be quite reliable. Of course personnel changes could account for some of these problems but perhaps there is another side to this debacle?

since pompanotvl has not replied to this or on Trip Advisor is there any way to make this go away?

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond

Craig, it's only been 2 days since the OP and as they're new, it's entirely possible that they don't know that they should (or how to) follow up on the topic.

Beyond that, there's no reason to "make this go away". It shouldn't be deleted just because it's a bad review, those are just as important, if not more so, than good reviews. There's no solid reason to believe that the OP is a fake review from a competitor. I'd be interested to see the 2Afrika side of this situation.

Hi Iowa_Redhead. My concern is that this exact same review appeared on Trip Advisor and Frommers as well. The OP has never come back to provide more info. I have taken no action but agree that 2Afrika may want to jump in.

Right now, I would say the credibility is low because of the OP built the profiles on all three travel sites on the same day as their one and only post.

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond

Craig, your assumptions might very well be correct. And, I too wonder about these OPW (one-post-wonders) and will sayy so.

That said though, there was a recent thread on TA about similar issues with 2Afrika, where (if I recall correctly), they were advised the Sopa Lodge reservations (2Afrika rarely uses other than these), were cancelled as the 'government' had taken over the lodges for some conference and thus changes had to be made. This individual did check with Sopa and found the statements by 2Afrika were outright lies. Then, I believe something about having to cancel the entire itinerary, being advised only a few days prior travel after poster had tickets, Visas, etc., all of which were lost. There was more to that particular thread which very much sounds like issues the OP encountered.

Hey, it's Christmas week... maybe OP is on holiday. Maybe they'll get back.

Somebody could send this link to 2Afrika so they can respond. I recall something like that happening in the past and a thread WAS pulled from Fodors that contained baseless criticism.

If OP never returns here, the reliability of the comments goes down in my mind.

If you do return OP, tell the BBB! And your credit card company if you used one!

Either way this post is outrageous whether 2Afrika is screwing clients or Pompano is libeling an innocent agent.

Yes, I am real. A real live customer. Not in any way connected with the travel business.

I discovered this and other travel forums while discussing my travels with a friend at a holiday party in December. You are right, I have never posted before. And I may not post again judging by the fine welcome.

I am a very experienced traveler by the way. This was a custom designed trip for a large group of friends in South Africa and Victoria Falls spanning over 3 weeks.

My sole purpose was to warn other people about 2Afrika and its owner. It's a crummy organization. You can believe it or not. It really doesn't matter to me. Go ahead and book a trip with them. But I tried my best to warn you! Yes - I am blowing off steam. Ranting? I don't think so.

I have a business, a family, lots of interests and hobbies and activities in my life. I don't have the time to check other people's comments disparaging mine. I have a life, I have no plans to be making 2000 or 20,000 comments (most of which are useless) nor do I expect to try and get some free advertising for my company. I will not put my name, address, phone number, social security number, or credit card number here no matter how many times you ask. I simply won't be doing it. If you want to do, it's fine. I see that very few other people have done so, why single me out.

I have posted on several other chat boards and I have been criticized for it. Yet, the same people also post on the exact same chat boards. Isn't that funny!

My post is just as valid as any of yours. It is truthful and accurate, I have tried to include some detail without going overboard. Why do you demand that my post be removed? Are you connected to 2afrika. Do you work with them?

As for the BBB, I just checked their site. There were 3 complaints against 2Afrika in 2011 with the Jersey City BBB.
When I was planning my trip, they were located in New York City at 111 John St. They have apparently moved in 2011. Maybe that's why there are so few complaints. And to be honest, I have not filed a complaint, at least not yet.

To sum up - my experiences with 2 Afrika were all negative. I would not recommend them. You may discard this advice. It's your choice - book at your peril!

Very interesting about the change in address and BBB.

Sorry if you interpreted my mention of a credit card as requesting you post your credit card number. I agree you should never do that. I just wondered if the credit card company might be able to get some money back for you. Please try that angle if you have not.

No legitimate post should be pulled and bad news about an agent is useful to future travelers just like good news. Unfortunately sometimes competitors post fabricated negative comments, which is not fair. What happened to you and your party is certainly not fair either. I hope 2Afrika offers you at least a partial refund for unacceptable service.

I'm hoping to take a safari in the next couple of years and I have looked at this company but I will probably book elsewhere. Thanks for the review.

Sorry POMPANOTVL,I take note of your complaint and is at pain as I read your second comment.Thanks for this advise and please do not stop stating your views on this forum.Several other people have had similar experiences with other unfair tour operators.I have read the same comments on TA.P-M take op's advise as you have enough time to plan and source for a reliable operator.
cheers

From what I recall back about 8/yrs ago, 2Afrika was located in NJ (believe, Jersey City), then about 2-3/yrs ago moved to John Street in Manhattan/NYC as stated by OP. So was surprised to learn/read that they're back in NJ, where I guess the rent is more favorable.

Pompanotvl - thanks for getting back to our comments and clarify concerns. I second the suggestion you report this to the BBB (NYC or NJ).

Ah – who could forget this group … I used to work for Kenneth Hieber and found him to be one of the most personable people I know. I remember this group very well for it was the deciding factor for me to LEAVE my short-term stint in the travel industry – it was a gay group from Florida that expected EVERYTHING for NOTHING. BUT – let me be the first to point out that this group did not book with 2AFRIKA, it booked with GAY2AFRIKA which I was employed to operate.

I know that the group organizers met with Kenneth Hieber on more than one occasion. I remember that well for they were planning a 50th birthday for 2 of them in Cape Town and wanted to invite 30 of their friends so that they up the selling price and could travel free of charge with their friends paying for them.

Ultimately, there were not 30 people in the group, which would explain why they were charged a higher price prior to departure. No one was held hostage, it is simple business. Coming from a financial background, it made perfect sense to me that if this group started as 30 passengers for a certain price, when the group dropped to 15, there would be a different, higher price.

I have not ever posted on any forum but I cannot help but post here for actually, this post is attacking me personally for I was the one who wrapped up this tour. I cannot understand how this person has the cheek to post about not receiving a deposit back when they cancelled. Trust me, again I am the one who handled this, these cancelations came within 90-days prior to departure, but the writer omits telling you that. Why then would they receive a deposit back for canceling?

Also, some members were charged a last minute fee. Yes, that is correct. What the writer fails to point out is that one of the couples broke up. They were to have shared accommodation. Only one was going to travel and there was a single supplement to be paid due to their break up. Why would one expect that the company should pay for a single supplement due to a romantic break up that it had nothing to do with? I find it strange that we post stuff like this online that can severely damage the reputation of someone, or a company and then do not supply all of the appropriate facts. We do not need to post our names and we can say anything here that ruins others.

Which is why I am posting this and I will post it all over. This group was unruly. You cannot start of by asking for a quote on 30 people and telling the company to not tell your friends for you were having them pay for your birthday. Then when the numbers reduce, you cannot expect to pay the same for 15 as you would for 30. Also, if some people break up, you cannot expect the company to pay for a single room for the single passenger. That is all improper and to add that CUSTOMER SERVICE – NON-EXISTENT, well I resent that for I am the one that had to deal with all of the hysterical drama that surrounded this group and frankly from one gay man to another, you are the reason that I quit my job at GAY2AFRIKA for I am not prepared to spend these years of my life putting up with rude insults from consumers who, as it is obvious from this post, tend to tell their side of the story only, and then fabricate it.

Think about what you just read. You read that this group was charged a higher price. YES – they were. I decided on that for their size had dropped from 30 to 15. You read that there was a fee charged prior to departure – yes that is right. One of the couples broke up their relationship and since one still decided to travel (and was not wanted in a room with any of the other couples), he needed a single room. Why should GAY2AFRIKA be held responsible for that and why did this writer FAIL to tell you the cause but rather leads you to believe that 2AFRIKA is to blame.

I wish that Kenneth Hieber reviewed these posts and I wish that he would respond. But knowing his as I do, he is far too much of a gentleman to do so.

I will remain anonymous until the original poster ‘outs’ himself after which time I will do the same. And then, let the fists fly for to call me unhinged is perhaps a true reflection of yourself. Thank goodness I left the travel industry. I would not go back for a million dollars. I am only sorry that Kenneth Hieber has clearly been tainted by this venomous post. Oh and in closing let me remind you dear reader that this group did NOT deal with 2AFRIKA, they dealt with GAY2AFRIKA, a subsidiary of 2AFRIKA for the gay & lesbian community which I believe does no longer operate since my departure.

So, you really cannot believe everything that you read.

Thanks for giving YOUR side of the story, John.

Wow, thank you John for the other side.

Thanks J56 for your reply.
Well, the internet is a blessing and woe for many industries. I have heard many stories of hotels or such being lambasted on the internet. They then have to respond in self defense, wasting much time and effort. It was Ben Franklin (some time before the internet) who said - "You should only believe half of what you see, and none of which you hear”.

regards - tom

Thank you John for providing the "other" side of this story.

Fantastic post, John!

Too bad you decided to drop out of the business because of this.

J.

a nice post and your side of the story john.

I have thought long and hard about these forum posts in light of the one that I came across which was very negative (indirectly) about me since I was the person taking care of the group mentioned. As I stated previously, I have nothing to lose for I am no longer involved in the travel industry but it annoys me to see that someone who gave me a chance when I needed it most being butchered endlessly on these forums.

I worked for Kenneth Hieber for 4 years and in that time, I learned exceptional lessons about how to treat people with dignity and respect. You can tell if you read this initial post, and then mine, that there is no congruency between what was written and what was actual. Yet the tour operator bears the brunt of such posts. There is clearly lost business and an enormous amount of ill will.

Look at these remarks which will never go away.

Iowa_Redhead (on Fodors) writes

Beyond that, there's no reason to "make this go away". It shouldn't be deleted just because it's a bad review, those are just as important, if not more so, than good reviews. There's no solid reason to believe that the OP is a fake review from a competitor. I'd be interested to see the 2Afrika side of this situation.

My point of view

Of course it SHOULD be deleted for it is inaccurate on every level. It is not a bad review, it is simply a bad vindictive post from someone who believed that he should not have lost money that he believed that he earned by fleecing his friends. This is not a REPORT to which anyone ought to pay any attention, it is an act of victimization.

Safari_Craig (on Fodors) writes

Hi Iowa_Redhead. My concern is that this exact same review appeared on Trip Advisor and Frommers as well. The OP has never come back to provide more info. I have taken no action but agree that 2Afrika may want to jump in.

My point of view

Look at the fact that this malicious inaccurate report is not only on Fodors, it is on Trip Advisor and Frommers also. How damaging is that for any business, particularly now since you know my side of the story and can fully comprehend that this entire post is untrue.

Atravelynn (on Fodors) writes

Somebody could send this link to 2Afrika so they can respond. I recall something like that happening in the past and a thread WAS pulled from Fodors that contained baseless criticism.
If you do return OP, tell the BBB! And your credit card company if you used one!
Either way this post is outrageous whether 2Afrika is screwing clients or Pompano is libeling an innocent agent.

My point of view

I would have thought that in all fairness, it would have been good to let 2Afrika know about this post. Perhaps that did happen but as I pointed out, Kenneth Hieber no longer visits these forums nor posts on them for as he used to tell me, they are extremely demoralizing and damaging, and now, I see why he always said that and I agree with him. What bothers me about this post is that it has been suggested that pompanotvl tells the BBB and a credit card company. Can you imagine the stress that would have on a small business trying to prove these facts against an improper post?

Atravelynn (on Fodors) writes

What happened to you and your party is certainly not fair either. I hope 2Afrika offers you at least a partial refund for unacceptable service.

My point of view

Without the facts which I have supplied, I understand why one would state that “What happened to you and your party is certainly not fair either,” however inappropriate that is now. And on the partial refund for unacceptable service – again I resent that for my service was more than acceptable. Their behavior and incessant changing and canceling and required upgrades into single rooms is in fact the unacceptable factor in this regard and they should not earn one penny more than they already did. In fact, if I were still at GAY2AFRIKA were it still operational, I would invoice them for unpaid costs.

P_M (on Fodors) writes

I'm hoping to take a safari in the next couple of years and I have looked at this company but I will probably book elsewhere. Thanks for the review.

My point of view

What a shame that one can base a travel decision on the absolute deceit of a malicious post. This is not a review – it is a defamatory malicious post. I hate the fact that P_M referes to this as a REVIEW for that’s the last thing that it is. Sad that a well standing company loses business due to this post.

Pody22 (on Fodors) writes

Sorry POMPANOTVL,I take note of your complaint and is at pain as I read your second comment.Thanks for this advise and please do not stop stating your views on this forum.

My point of view

DO STOP – you are not accurate in what you are posting. When you decide to tell the truth about your behavior and the entire truth, by all means yes, come back and post. But as long as you continue posting improper inaccurate posts, you’re better off staying away and not misleading other people with your deceit.

Sandi (on Fodors) writes

Pompanotvl - thanks for getting back to our comments and clarify concerns. I second the suggestion you report this to the BBB (NYC or NJ).

My point of view

If the BBB spends time wading through clear and evident lies like this, can you imagine their day and their workload – all at taxpayer dollars? Can you imagine the stress on small business trying to defend itself? Frankly, I should communicate with Kenneth Hieber myself and IF pomanotvl does report this to the BBB, I will undertake to respond to them myself with the accurate facts and not this nonsense which has been written.

QUESTION

I know that this group departed in October 2010 for as I pointed out, I was responsible for finalizing them. Why does this post appear 14-months later then? If this was such a disastrous tour, why was this not commented on immediately upon the groups return home? If these forums are to be for the use of other potential travelers, why wait 14-months to advise them? Is this just someone waking up in a bad mood one morning and deciding to ‘get someone’? My question makes perfect sense to me after such a long period of silence.

OBSERVATION

To state that “He and his staff are seriously unhinged and unreliable” is an insult on myself that I will not take kindly to. I am extremely hinged and very reliable with all that I do – and so I for one will not tolerate rudeness and inappropriate behavior from anyone. Furthermore, note how this entire post is aimed directly at Kenneth Hieber when I have made is perfectly clear that I was the one dealing with finalizing this group.

REVIEW THE POST

“At some point after paying for the trip, Kenneth just got tired of us and stopped communications. No matter how much we attempted to communicate, he just refused to speak to us or answer emails.”

I resent this remark also for I was the one communicating. To insinuate that I was not doing my job properly is entirely inaccurate. Of course Kenneth Hieber did not respond for the entire file was handed to me to take care of and I did.

“I would go back to South Africa but would absolutely not with Kenneth Heiber of 2AFRIKA again. He and his staff are seriously unhinged and unreliable.”

My point of view is that I hope he and his group would not travel with 2AFRIKA or GAY2AFRIKA again. As I pointed out to Kenneth Hieber on many occasions, this is not the type of business he should be doing under any circumstances. It is BAD business. I hope that this group never travels with Kenneth Hieber again and if they do approach him for services, I hope that he has the sense to turn them away. No one needs to be treated like this at all.

“Customer service - Non-existant”

I am reminded how inappropriate we all can be when we do not get our own way every step of the way. I worked my best for this group and to read this insults my intelligence on every level.

BAD NEWS FOR 2AFRIKA

If you look at how this post displays on these forums, you will see that it is tagged to Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania which means that anyone going to any forum to try and find an unbiased opinion and a true reflection on the 2AFRIKA I know will be tainted by this vicious post and the company which previously supported me by way of employment will no doubt feel the impact of that. Again I think that this is immoral and improper and very unfair since these people only traveled to South Africa and Zambia but yet they chose vindictively to deface the company in all of the marketplaces that it promotes. That is simply wrong in my opinion and should not be allowed at all.

CLOSING

If you might be wondering why I am so vocal about this post, may I remind you that this is a direct slander at me. Unfortunately Kenneth Hieber and his company are the ones taking the brunt of it. I am the one that is annoyed that 2AFRIKA did not respond to this post and set the record straight. My point of view is that they should have but since I am no longer employed there, I have no say other than to post this which I believe is the right thing to do, not only for myself but also for my former employer who treated me very well indeed.

It makes me realize that coming to these forums for knowledge is not necessarily the right thing to do, particularly since I came across this inaccurate derogatory post. Perhaps there are many more out there which might be the same against other companies which are being held as ‘true’ and otherwise causing other organizations unnecessary issues. I will spend the next few days reviewing the posts on 2AFRIKA and GAY2AFRIKA and Kenneth Hieber and where I know them to be inaccurate, I will have no hesitation in pointing them out. Where I know that they are legitimate, I will point that out also.

I will not but I do hope that someone does forward this entire thread to Kenneth Hieber for him to review. I will however forward this entire thread to the BBB of New York and New Jersey ahead of the poster in the hope that both of those offices realize too how their time can be wasted.

To those of you who acknowledged the well intended spirit of my initial post, my thanks to you. J

Thanks for the other side of this issue.

But may I ask,
1) Was it clearly stated, in writing, to the group's rep*, that prices would change up/down, if the number of participants changes? Also, the need for single supplements, if as you explained, one couple, became a single?

*there should be only one to gather all info and sole person with whom you communicate. Sure hope you weren't being contacted by each participant... ugh!

2) at what point in the process was the deposit for this trip due? When it was decided the final number was 15 and they had already agreed to the new higher price (all legitimate) or still when it was 30/paxs?

3) if no deposit had been received till final number of paxs confirmed, and you already noticed this would be 'a problem group' to just advise that "we can no longer work with you?" and return deposit to them, and let them go elsewhere.

I know this is difficult to say or you to hear, besides the fact that it is a chunk of money, but sometimes.... doing so is necessary for your peace of mind and less anxiety. Certainly to avoid a post as above, though who knows what else they'd do/say... but, that's business.

My 2-cents.

ANSWER TO SANDI

Hi and thank you for your input. I will do my best to answer as accurately as I possibly can given the fact that I have not had access to any records (nor can have) to be 100% accurate (and I do not want to add any insult to injury on behalf of my former employer).

1.) No Idea – I hope so but I cannot be sure. What I can be sure about is the fact that the initial contact on this group was in July 2008 for an October 2010 departure.
2.) What I learned was that there is no way possible to secure rates 26 months out and so whatever was discussed price wise that far in advance was under review until accurate pricing would have been received.
3.) What was most unfortunate back then was no one in South Africa was sticking to any contractual rates (even in mid 2009) due to the upcoming World Cup which took place in South Africa.
4.) I know that some form of price was agreed on in mid-2009 (again I assume that this was to have been reviewed appropriately) as deposits were processed at either the end of August or into September 2009. Again I cannot be 100% accurate on dates without the files which I do not have access to and I am just applying logic as best as I recall it.
5.) What I do know is that at the time of deposit there were 30 passengers traveling as space was held in 15 double rooms.
6.) No single supplement was discussed (this I know for sure) as these were all couples or friends who would share and so the single supplement was never an issue. However, when the final headcount came in under the 30 mark and then when the unfortunate break up happened forcing me to make use of a single room, I advised the group leaders immediately and was told that there was no way that they would pay that amount at which time I said (not Kenneth Hieber) that I would cancel that passenger and NOT the entire group. This I know for sure as those were my words.

I understand and respect your last comment and if I were still in that industry, I would pay more attention to it. However I am back in the world of finance which is where I came from and so that is moot to me. I hope that someone else might in time read your recommendation and take such action should he or she find it necessary. I guess though that that too would have had its repercussions unfortunately based on the original tone of the post.

J

26/months in advance? OMG! No way anyone could confirm prices. Unless you guestimate at 10-12% per year, not even taking into consideration statutory increases for which you have no control... fuel surcharges, park fee increases, etc. And, no doubt, that too may have been an issue with the group.

Again, sorry for this mishap.

Thank you for posting the other side, it's very rare we get to hear both sides of the story. I still have yet to book a safari and your point to me is well taken, I will reconsider.

Thank you P_M for your courteous response. I am glad that you might reconsider 2AFRIKA to be your outfitter when you do take a safari. Having worked there, I know that you will be treated with enormous respect from start to finish - I hope that you will travel someday soon. J

My husband and myself also booked our 'trip of a lifetime' with 2 Afrika in 2011 for a May safari in 2012 to Kenya and Tanzania.My husband had previously used 2 Afrika for a trip and was very satisfied with the experience. He was also very excited that Mr. Hieber would be traveling with the group. Our safari was cancelled a week before the trip was to start.To be fair, there had been a heightened alert for travel r/t a recent event in Nairobi. However after doing some reading on travel sites recently,the last minute cancellation without re imbursing clients appears to have happened more than once. We initally rescheduled for the November trip,still trusting in the very charming Mr. Hieber. Because of illness we were no longer able to go and Travel Guard did re imburse us for part of our travel expenses. I don't believe they would have otherwise paid a penny. We are still owed several thousand that KH agreed to repay in writing. He has since gone silent. I believe that Mr. Hieber may have done a great job for his clients a few years ago judging by glowing reviews but that is no longer the case.

There are more threads on this company on Trip Advisor... negative.

Frommers has finally removed 2Afrika from a rating of B+ (or was it - ) to an F. One of the posters on TA has finally got a suit in with their Attorney General. And there was mention that Ken Heiber has a blog that supposedly assists 'abused women'... duh!

Too much about how this company conducts business is just off. STAY AWAY!